Giants legend Eli Manning opens up about infamous draft day trade

During Manning's 16 seasons, he established himself as the greatest quarterback in Giants history, setting several franchise records, including passing yards and touchdowns, and winning two Super Bowls. 

His 57,023 career passing yards and 366 career passing touchdowns rank 10th in league history in the respective categories. 

The Chargers have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they shouldn't be labeled the loser in the deal. If anything, getting a strong return for a player not interested in playing for them makes them a winner. 

Like Manning, Rivers became his franchise's all-time leading passer, leading the Chargers to some of their most successful seasons.

There are plenty of "what-ifs" to consider if Manning didn't become a Giant. How many Super Bowls would New York have won by now? What's Tom Brady's final ring count? One thing is for sure; Rivers still wouldn't have played for the Giants.

Then-GM Ernie Accorsi once revealed to the "Eye Test for Two" podcast that he was moments away from selecting Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger if he hadn't traded for Manning.  

"It didn't look like I was going to make that trade [the Manning deal] because I didn't make it until seven minutes into my time allotment," Accorsi said. "But leading up to that point, I was holding my breath on Roethlisberger, and we had written Roethlisberger's name down on the card – ready to hand it in immediately."

Although Roethlisberger won two Lombardi Trophies of his own, it's unlikely he, or any player, delivers the same heroics that Manning displayed during New York's Super Bowl runs. 

Manning will first be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.